Hydraulic & Transmission Service Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Hydraulic & Transmission Service flashcards as text
When should hydraulic fluid be sampled for oil analysis?
Answer: At regular intervals per the maintenance schedule, before a failure occurs
Scheduled oil analysis detects early signs of contamination, wear metals, and fluid degradation before they cause component failure.
A forklift with an automatic transmission that jerks or shudders when shifting is most likely experiencing:
Answer: Worn transmission clutch packs or low transmission fluid
Harsh or shuddering shifts in an automatic transmission typically indicate worn clutch packs or low/degraded transmission fluid affecting hydraulic clutch engagement.
What is cavitation in a hydraulic pump, and what causes it?
Answer: Formation of vapor bubbles due to insufficient fluid supply to the pump inlet
Cavitation occurs when the pump cannot receive enough fluid, creating vapor bubbles that collapse violently and erode pump components.
Which type of hydraulic fluid is most commonly specified for forklift systems in the United States?
Answer: Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) or anti-wear hydraulic oil (AW46)
Most forklifts use anti-wear hydraulic oil (commonly AW46) or ATF as specified by the manufacturer, chosen for their viscosity and wear protection properties.
The transmission dipstick on an internal combustion forklift should be checked with the engine:
Answer: Running at operating temperature with the transmission in neutral
Transmission fluid level is typically checked with the engine warmed up and running in neutral so the torque converter and transmission passages are filled.
What does it mean when a forklift's hydraulic system makes a whining noise during lift operation?
Answer: The hydraulic pump may be cavitating or worn
A whining or moaning sound during hydraulic operation often indicates the pump is cavitating due to low fluid, a restricted inlet, or worn pump components.
If hydraulic fluid is leaking from a cylinder rod seal, the correct immediate action is to:
Answer: Tag the forklift out of service and report for maintenance
A leaking cylinder rod seal creates slip hazards, indicates internal seal failure, and will worsen under load — the forklift must be removed from service for repair.